You are here

Architectural Design

School of Architecture,
Faculty of Social Sciences

Develop your own distinctive design practice by exploring the processes and methodologies of architecture. You'll study in a studio and have the opportunity to work on real-life projects with local and regional groups.

Course description

This studio-based course will help you develop your own distinctive design practice. You’ll explore design processes and methodologies. There are opportunities to work on real-life projects with local, regional and international groups as part of our Live Projects initiative.

You can take the course as a stand-alone MA or as preparation for a PhD via our PhD by Design programme.

You'll investigate architectural themes in depth, working closely with your studio tutor. The aim is to consider design within the context of rigorous and innovative research.

You'll specialise in the theory and practice of design and develop the skills and knowledge to be a creative and original architect.

We’re one of the UK's top architecture schools. Our international research projects shape policy and address public and professional needs. As a Sheffield student you’ll engage with real issues affecting the built environment. You’ll be encouraged to provide social and environmental solutions to the challenges of our time.

Modules

Core modules

You will be able to choose a route of study based on your area of interest from options available.

Optional modules

Choose from a range of optional modules. These might include:

Reflections on Architectural Education

Critical Spatial Theory

Politics of Architecture and Urban Design

Future Climates and Architecture

Building Environmental Simulation and Analysis

Parametric Architectural Geometry

Elements of Computational Design

Materials for Low Impact Building

Theory and Research in Design

Conservation and Regeneration Principles and Approaches

Participation in Architecture and Urban Design

History and Theory of Urban Design

Teaching

Learning is through studio-based design work with individual and group tutorials, block seminars and workshops, traditional lecture modules, live projects involving real clients and real community projects, and field trips.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed on course assignments, design thesis and a dissertation.

Duration

1 year full-time

Our course teaches us about the community we live in, how to approach our ideas and designs, and how to use new technology to create a better vision. Using these skills I can make a better future for our community, who are our real clients. After my MA I plan to apply for a PhD at Sheffield.

Yusuf Abushamaa

MA Architectural Design

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 honours degree or an equivalent qualification related to design in the built environment. Related subjects include: design, architecture, art, computing, engineering, social sciences and education or any other discipline that has a demonstrable relationship to some aspect of architectural design and/or research.

Your degree doesn’t have to be design-based. If you have a lot of professional design experience we’ll consider your application. We’d like to see your portfolio to get an idea of your design abilities.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.